India, Jan. 30 -- In a first-of-its-kind public health initiative in India, the Maharashtra government has rolled out 510 government-run menopause clinics across the state, with as many as 8,901 women visiting them within the first two days of operation, officials said on Thursday.

The initiative, launched under the guidance of minister of state for public health, Meghna Bordikar, marks a significant step in addressing a long-neglected health concern faced by women. The clinics are aimed at providing structured, respectful and comprehensive healthcare to women experiencing physical, emotional and hormonal changes during this natural life stage.

Bordikar said, "Menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase in a woman's life. However, d...